Chrysler Classic of Tucson: You know it’s tough when one of the biggest names on the marquee is David Duval, who has plunged from No. 1 in the world in 1998 into oblivion. But that’s the position the sponsoring El Conquistadors find themselves in this week when they host their Chrysler Classic of Tucson.

Not only is Duval among the headliners, but the leading celebrity -- in fact, the only celebrity -- for Wednesday’s pro-am at Tucson National got knocked out of the lineup, literally. “We had planned on (New England Patriots star) Tedy Bruschi hitting out the ceremonial first ball at the pro-am,’’ said a tournament spokesperson. “Now, (after suffering a slight stroke) he won’t be here. We just hope he’ll be OK.’’

That last sentence pretty much sums up the current condition of the Tucson tournament, too. Since moving to satellite status in 1999 opposite the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship at La Costa, Calif., the Old Pueblo has had to fight to keep the PGA Tour in town. They’re still struggling, even if this year’s field and purse ($3 million) are more exciting than anything on the Champions or Nationwide tours.

Duval will be making his fourth start of the year there, and the 1998 Tucson champ (he never came back to defend, opting for the Match Play instead) can only hope his season gets better. So far, he withdrew from the Buick Invitational after opening with a 79, missed the cut at the Bob Hope after going 82-79-85, and missed the cut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after starting 85-79.

What’s the problem? Turns out, everything. He’s 190th in driving (260.9 yard average), 194th in fairways hit (39 percent), 194th in greens in regulation (47.9 percent), and 166th in putting (30.25 per round). For the season, Duval is 59-over par, and is averaging 79.38 strokes per 18 holes (yep, 194th).

Once a beacon of talent, Duval seems to be lost in space. Chip Beck and Ian Baker-Finch didn’t have it as bad on their downward spiral into obscurity. That’s because neither of the aforementioned were ever ranked No. 1 in the world, although Beck like Duval once shot 59.

Unless something has changed dramatically, Duval won’t make the cut against this weaker-than-usual field. Which isn’t to say that Tucson has been reduced to the level of the Hooter’s Tour.

Among the favorites are Brian Davis and Aaron Baddeley, who both played well last week in the rain-drenched Nissan Open. Young guns like Kevin Na, Briny Baird, Hunter Haas, Ryuji Imada, Hunter Mahan, Arron Olberholser, D.A. Points, Bo Van Pelt, Joey Snyder III, Kevin Stadler and Jimmy Walker also have a great shot at the $540,000 purse.

Tucson also will have some seasoned veterans in the fold, several of those from

the East Valley, including Michael Allen, Danny Briggs, Mark Calcavecchia, Jim Carter (2000 champ), Billy Mayfair and Andrew Magee (1994 champ). Other veterans of note include Rich Beem, Notah Begay III, Mark Brooks, John Cook, Dan Forsman, Pat Perez and Corey Pavin. There’s also a solid foreign contingent in Carlos Franco, Jose Maria Olazabal and Justin Rose.

And as a side note, the defending champion, Heath Slocum, is in the field. That’s a novelty, so to speak, as only twice since Tucson took the hit from the Tour in ’99 has the defending champ returned instead of going to the Match Play. That happened in 2004, when Frankie “The Blade’’ Lickliter returned.

NOTEWORTHY

TPC honored: The TPC of Scottsdale, which recently hosted the FBR Open, has been cited by the Golf Couse Superintendents Association of America for “environmental excellence.’’ A lot of the credit goes to the TPC’s superintendent, Jim Broughton, and his crew.

AGA meeting: The Arizona Golf Association has scheduled its spring meeting and awards banquet for March 15 at Moon Valley Country Club. For reservations, call (602) 944-3035.

Change at PCC: Adam Brigham, the first assistant at prestigious Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, has been named head pro at Phoenix Country Club, replacing Ralph Bernhisel, who served in that position for 19 years.

Final thought: For those wishing to attend the British Open at St. Andrews this year, here’s your long shot: Newcastle Brown Ale currently has a “Best of Both Worlds’’ promotion that awards the winner an all-expenses-paid trip for four to the Open followed by a weekend with a loved one in Paris. To register (no purchase required) visit www.newcastlebrown.com.